Edward Magnus led officers on a high-speed chase for 20 minutes at more than 80mph in 30 and 40 zones

Mr Rowland said: “He decided to stop the vehicle and make some checks but before that could occur, the vehicle began to speed off.

“He drove through a red light and therefore a pursuit began and it lasted in the region of 20 minutes.

“During that pursuit the defendant drove firstly through Silksworth, then through Houghton-le-Spring, Shiney Row, Grindon and Pennywell.

“During the chase, it’s said the defendant showed a blatant disregard for his own safety and for the safety of other road users who may have been around at that time.

“The officer said the driver reached speeds of 84mph in 30 or 40 zones.

“At one point, on Chester Road, the defendant is described as straightlining a roundabout at approximately 85mph, which resulted in the car becoming airborne for a considerable distance before landing back on the road with a violent thud.”

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He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, having no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and was given eight months suspended for two years with 240 hours of unpaid work, a two-year driving ban and £340 costs.

Christopher Morrison, defending, said: “There were no other vehicles or pedestrians involved and there’s no evidence of impairment.

“There was no accident and, serious though it is, there was no specific harm to any person or property. That may be a matter of luck rather than judgement.

“He has no record for driving or anything else and it’s an offence which is out of character.

“He had just acquired the vehicle and a provisional licence with a view to completing lessons to get his full licence.”

Mr Morrison added that Magnus had recovered from non-hodgkin lymphoma five years ago and has steady work in the automotive industry.